Ex parte communications.

El Paso City Code § 2.92.180

in effect

2.92.180 - Ex parte communications. A. It shall be unlawful to engage in any of the following ex parte communications regarding a complaint that has been filed pursuant to this chapter: 1. For the complainant, the respondent, or any person acting on their behalf, to engage or attempt to engage directly or indirectly about the subject matter or merits of a complaint in ex parte communication with a member of the ethics review commission, a member of the city council, or any known witness to the complaint; or 2. For a member of the ethics review commission, to knowingly entertain an ex parte communication prohibited by subsection (A)(1) above, or to communicate about any issue of fact or law relating to the complaint directly or indirectly with any person other than a member of the ethics review commission. B. The city attorney or his/her designee conferring with the chair or members of the ethics review commission on procedural matters regarding a complaint shall not be considered prohibited ex parte communications. C. If a member of the ethics review commission violates this section of the chapter, they shall recuse themselves from any further proceedings regarding the complaint. Should the commission not reach a quorum because members recused themselves, then the city council shall appoint temporary members to the commission to hear the complaint or the chair of the ethics review commission shall appoint a panel with the remaining eligible members to complete the hearing and disposition process. Temporary membership to the ethics review commission expires upon the disposition of a complaint and may only be reinstated by city council if the complaint is to be reconsidered pursuant to the provisions in this chapter. (Ord. No. 19139, § 1, 2-16-2021)

Source: City of El Paso, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2ADPE_CH2.92ET_ARTIIIETRECO_2.92.180EXPACOFetched: 10/28/2026